Candied Cranberry Sugar Snack Recipe
Introduction
Candied Cranberry Sugar Snacks are a delightful treat combining the tartness of fresh cranberries with a sweet, crunchy sugar coating. Perfect as a festive garnish or a sweet snack, these easy-to-make candied cranberries add sparkle and flavor to any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for syrup)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse the cranberries under cold water and dry them thoroughly using paper towels.
- Step 2: In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup granulated sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. Remove from heat and let the syrup rest for 2 minutes.
- Step 3: Add the dried cranberries to the cooled syrup. Stir gently to coat all berries and let them soak for 5 minutes.
- Step 4: Using a slotted spoon, transfer the soaked cranberries to a wire rack set over parchment paper. Allow excess syrup to drain for 15 minutes.
- Step 5: Pour 1 cup of granulated sugar into a shallow bowl. Working in small batches, roll the sticky cranberries in the sugar until they are evenly coated.
- Step 6: Place the sugar-coated cranberries back on the wire rack. Let them dry at room temperature for at least 1 hour until the sugar shell becomes crisp.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a splash of orange juice or a pinch of cinnamon to the syrup before heating.
- Use superfine sugar for a finer, more delicate coating.
- Try dipping the candied cranberries in melted dark chocolate for an indulgent twist.
Storage
Store candied cranberries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keep them in a single layer to maintain their crisp coating. Avoid refrigeration as it can cause the sugar shell to become sticky. If needed, re-crisp by allowing them to air dry at room temperature for a short time before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?
Frozen cranberries contain moisture that can affect the sugar coating. It’s best to use fresh cranberries for optimal texture and crispness.
How long do candied cranberries last?
They stay fresh and crisp for about 3 days when stored properly at room temperature in an airtight container.
PrintCandied Cranberry Sugar Snack Recipe
This Candied Cranberry Sugar Snack recipe features fresh cranberries coated in a sweet syrup and rolled in granulated sugar, creating a delightful, crunchy sugar shell perfect for snacking or garnishing desserts. The process involves soaking the cranberries in a simple syrup before drying and sugar coating, resulting in a sweet-tart treat with a crisp texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 2 cups of candied cranberries 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Fruit
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
Syrup
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
Coating
- 1 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Prepare Cranberries: Rinse the cranberries thoroughly under cold water and dry them completely using paper towels to ensure the sugar adheres properly.
- Make Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup granulated sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar fully dissolves. Remove from heat and allow the syrup to cool and stand for 2 minutes.
- Coat Cranberries in Syrup: Add the fresh cranberries to the cooled syrup, stirring gently to ensure all cranberries are evenly coated. Let them soak in the syrup for 5 minutes to absorb the sweetness.
- Drain and Dry Cranberries: Using a slotted spoon, transfer the syrup-coated cranberries onto a wire rack placed over parchment paper to catch drips. Allow them to drain and dry for 15 minutes so excess syrup can drip off.
- Roll in Sugar: Place 1 cup of granulated sugar in a shallow bowl. In batches, roll the sticky cranberries thoroughly in the sugar until they are evenly coated to create a crunchy outer layer.
- Final Drying: Arrange the sugar-coated cranberries back on the wire rack and let them dry at room temperature for at least 1 hour until the sugar crust becomes crisp and sets properly.
Notes
- Be sure to dry the cranberries completely before soaking them to help the syrup adhere better.
- Use fresh cranberries for optimal texture and flavor; frozen cranberries may become too soft.
- Store finished candied cranberries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- The sugar shell will soften if exposed to humidity, so keep them dry until ready to use.
Keywords: candied cranberries, cranberry snack, sugar-coated cranberries, sweet cranberry recipe, holiday snack
